Karina Smirnoff: 'I was fearless for Playboy'

Professional dancer Karina Smirnoff has said that she wasn't nervous about posing nude for the May issue of Playboy because she is "fearless".

The Dancing With The Stars performer will appear in next month's issue of the magazine, and described the experience as being no different to the way she enjoys extreme sports like sky diving and boxing.

"I'm fearless and love the adrenaline rush," Smirnoff told Playboy, according to People.

Smirnoff, paired with actor Ralph Macchio on the current season of the ABC show, said that being sexy is less about a person's looks and more about their attitude.

"Sexy is the confident energy a person produces," the professional dancer explained. "Sexy is the comfortable feeling of being who you are."

Smirnoff announced her engagement to Detroit Tigers pitcher Brad Penny in November last year, although the couple have yet to announce an official wedding date.

Playboy founder Hugh Hefner revealed Smirnoff's inclusion in the magazine earlier this week on Twitter, suggesting that her appearance would be "unforgettable".

Smirnoff's appearance in Playboy will be available in shops this May.